30-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: Affidavit of Identifying Witness

ACTION:

Notice of request for public comment and submission to OMB of proposed collection of information.

SUMMARY:

The Department of State has submitted the information collection described below to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for approval. In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 we are requesting comments on this collection from all interested individuals and organizations. The purpose of this Notice is to allow 30 days for public comment.

DATES:

Submit comments directly to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) up to March 21, 2016.

ADDRESSES:

Direct comments to the Department of State Desk Officer in the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs at the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). You may submit comments by the following methods:

• Email: oira_submission@omb.eop.gov. You must include the DS form number, information collection title, and the OMB control number in the subject line of your message.
• Fax: 202-395-5806. Attention: Desk Officer for Department of State.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Direct requests for additional information regarding the collection listed in this notice, including requests for copies of the proposed collection instrument and supporting documents, by mail to PPT Forms Officer, U.S. Department of State, CA/PPT/S/L/LA 44132 Mercure Cir., P.O. Box 1227, Sterling, VA 20166-1227, by phone at (202) 485-6373, or by email at PPTFormsOfficer@state.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

• Title of Information Collection: Affidavit of Identifying Witness.
• OMB Control Number: 1405-0088.
• Type of Request: Revision of a Currently Approved Collection.
• Originating Office: Bureau of Consular Affairs, Passport Services, Office of Legal Affairs and Law Enforcement Liaison (CA/PPT/S/L/LA).
• Form Number: DS-0071.
• Respondents: Individuals.
• Estimated Number of Respondents: 61,000.
• Estimated Number of Responses: 61,000.
• Average Time per Response: 5 min.
• Total Estimated Burden Time: 5,083 hours.
• Frequency: On Occasion.
• Obligation to Respond: Required to Obtain a Benefit.

We are soliciting public comments to permit the Department to:

• Evaluate whether the proposed information collection is necessary for the proper functions of the Department.
• Evaluate the accuracy of our estimate of the time and cost burden for this proposed collection, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used.
• Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected.
• Minimize the reporting burden on those who are to respond, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

Please note that comments submitted in response to this Notice are public record. Before including any detailed personal information, you should be aware that your comments as submitted, including your personal information, will be available for public review.

Abstract of Proposed Collection

The Affidavit of Identifying Witness is submitted in conjunction with an application for a U.S. passport. It is used by Passport Services to collect information for the purpose of establishing the identity of the applicant. This affidavit is completed by the identifying witness when the applicant is unable to establish his or her identity to the satisfaction of a person authorized to accept passport applications.

Methodology

The Affidavit of Identifying Witness is submitted in conjunction with an application for a U.S. passport. Due to legislative mandates, Form DS-0071 is only available at acceptance facilities, passport agencies, and U.S. embassies and consulates. This form must be completed and signed in the presence of an authorized Passport Agent, Acceptance Agent, or Consular Officer.